The Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) Stadium, which is in a dilapidated condition in the city, at last, drew the government’s attention. It is all poised to gets its past glory with Rs 7.23 crore fund sanctioned by the State.
The proposal included reconstruction of the stadium with the world class standards. The galleries, which got broken, were dismantled and earthmovers have been engaged to start reconstruction. All the sports activities were suspended and walkers restricted from taking morning strolls in the stadium for the time being to facilitate the construction work.
According to District Sports Development Officer B. Srinivasa Rao, the project includes replacement of galleries, construction of an administrative block, two separate dormitories, each for sportsmen and women, walking track for walkers and a shopping complex facing the main road leading to the railway station. It is expected to be completed by the end of January next year, Mr. Srinivasa Rao informed.
Way back, the stadium has the history of hosting a Ranji Trophy. This apart, it has also hosted a slew of handball, football and hockey tournaments before its decay. Former Tourism Minister Vatti Vasantakumar and then Collector Vanimohan observed the bad shape of the stadium during a visit and recommended its reconstruction.
The stadium was built and named after the legendary freedom fighter from the district Alluri Sitarama Raju during the period of late N.T. Rama Rao as the Chief Minister some three decades ago.
